Pandemic impacts and experiences after disaster in Australia: qualitative study of compound impacts following the Black Summer bushfires

Abstract

Background The first cases of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia were recorded in January 2020, which was during the ‘Black Summer’ bushfires of 2019–20 and prior to additional disasters in some regions. Few studies have considered the compound impact of disasters and the pandemic. Aims To improve understanding of the impact on mental health and well-being of the pandemic in disaster-affected communities. Method We conducted semi-structured interviews (n = 18) with community members and online focus groups (n = 31) with help providers from three regions of rural Australia affected by bushfires and the pandemic. Results Six themes were produced: (a) ‘Pulling together, pulling apart’, describing experiences after bushfires and prior to impacts of the pandemic; (b) ‘Disruption of the ‘normal response’, encompassing changes to post-disaster recovery processes attributed to the pandemic; (c) ‘Escalating tensions and division in the community’, describing impacts on relationships; (d) ‘Everywhere you turn you get a slap in the face’, acknowledging impacts of bureaucratic ‘red tape’; (e) ‘There are layers of trauma’, highlighting intersecting traumas and pre-existing vulnerabilities; and (f) ‘Where does the help come from when we can't do it?’, encompassing difficulties accessing services and impacts on the helping workforce. Conclusions This study furthers our understanding of compound disasters and situates pandemic impacts in relation to processes of adjustment and recovery from bushfires. It highlights the need for long-term approaches to resilience and recovery, investment in social infrastructure, multi-component approaches to workforce issues, and strategies to increase mental health support and pathways across services.